JP7135136B2 - Head-mounted display with adjustment mechanism - Google Patents

Description

[Cross reference to related applications]
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/555,143, filed September 7, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. ing.
[Technical field]
This application relates generally to adjustable support components for head-mounted displays.

A head-mounted display is worn on the user's head and incorporates an optical display device. A head-mounted display is typically supported against the user's head by a support structure connected to the head-mounted display. Examples of support structures include flexible and rigid headbands that extend around or over the user's head. These support structures may include components that are adjustable in size.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a head-mounted display worn by a user. A head-mounted display includes a housing and an eye chamber positioned adjacent to a user's eye. A head-mounted display support assembly includes a headband and an adjustment mechanism operable to change the fit of the headband on the user's head in response to a control signal. The adjustment mechanism includes a feedback component and a control signal is generated based on the output from the feedback component.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a head-mounted display worn by a user. A head-mounted display includes a housing, an eye chamber positioned adjacent to a user's eye, and a support assembly. The support assembly includes a headband and an adjustment mechanism operable to change the fit of the headband on the user's head, the adjustment mechanism adjusting the fit of the headband on the user's head by volumetric expansion or volumetric contraction. It contains a variable volume structure that changes the volume.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for adjusting a head-mounted display. The method comprises, in response to detecting user contact with first and second locations on the housing, loosening the adjustable headband relative to the housing; tightening the adjustable headband against the housing in response to detecting cessation of user contact with the position of or the second position.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a head-mounted display worn by a user. A head-mounted display includes a housing, an eye chamber positioned adjacent to a user's eye, and a support assembly. The support assembly is configured to extend over the user's head and has a first portion connected to the housing, a second portion adjustably connected to the first portion, and a second portion. It has a third portion adjustably connected to the two portions, the third portion defining a free end of the support assembly free of connection to the housing.

1 is a perspective view of a head mounted display including a support assembly according to a first embodiment; FIG.

2 is a side view of the head mounted display of FIG. 1 worn by a user; FIG.

2 is a top view of the head mounted display of FIG. 1 worn by a user; FIG.

2C is a cross-sectional side view of the head mounted display of FIG. 1 taken along line AA of FIG. 2B; FIG.

2 is a diagram showing an adjustment mechanism of the head mounted display of FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 10 is a side view of a head mounted display including a support assembly according to a second embodiment worn by a user;

5B is a top view of the head mounted display of FIG. 5A worn by a user; FIG.

5B is a top cross-sectional view showing an adjustment mechanism of the head mounted display of FIG. 5A; FIG.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a head-mounted display including a support assembly having a variable volume adjustment mechanism with the variable volume adjustment mechanism in a retracted position;

7B is a top view of the head mounted display of FIG. 7A with the variable volume adjustment mechanism in the expanded position; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the pneumatic variable volume adjustment mechanism in the retracted position;

8B is a cross-sectional view showing the pneumatic variable volume adjustment mechanism of FIG. 8A in an inflated position; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape memory alloy adjustment mechanism in the contracted position;

9B is a cross-sectional view showing the shape memory alloy adjustment mechanism of FIG. 9A in an expanded position; FIG.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a head mounted display including a support assembly according to another embodiment;

10B is a top view of the head mounted display of FIG. 10A; FIG.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a head mounted display including a support assembly according to another embodiment;

11B is a top view of the head mounted display of FIG. 11A; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a hardware configuration for electronic components of a head mounted display;

Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing a first example of a process for calibrating a head mounted display;

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing a second example of a process for calibrating a head mounted display;

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a third example of a process for calibrating a head mounted display;

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing a fourth example of a process for calibrating a head mounted display;

Head-mounted displays are used by people with a variety of head shapes and sizes. Head mounted display adjustment structures can be time consuming to adjust and may require trial and error by the user to find a comfortable fit. The present disclosure relates to head-mounted displays that incorporate passive or active adjustment structures that conform to a user's head shape and size without requiring manual adjustment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a head mounted display 100. FIG. The head-mounted display includes a housing 102, a face seal 104, and a support assembly. In this example, the support assembly includes headband 106 and adjustment mechanism 107 . As described herein, the support assembly incorporates self-adjusting functionality. Portions of the head-mounted display 100 other than the support assembly are shown and described to provide context, but it should be appreciated that the features described herein can be utilized with head-mounted displays utilizing a wide variety of configurations. be understood.

The housing 102 may be of single piece construction or multi-piece construction and may be either rigid or semi-rigid. As described herein, housing 102 houses components that enable content to be displayed to a user.

Face seal 104 is connected to housing 102 . The face seal 104 is configured to engage and conform to the user's head in the region around the user's eyes. The face seal 104 can function to reduce the amount of light reaching the user's eyes. The face seal 104 can also function to comfortably engage the housing 102 with the user's head.

Headband 106 is adjustably connected to housing 102 by adjustment mechanism 107 and is configured to support housing 102 against the user's head. In the illustrated example, housing 102 is a generally rectangular structure, and headbands 106 are connected to the sides of housing 102 and extend around the user's head. Headband 106 is a flexible or semi-rigid structure as described herein.

2A is a side view showing head mounted display 100 worn by user 208, and FIG. 2B is a top view showing head mounted display 100 worn by user 208. FIG. The face seal 104 contacts the top of the face 210 of the user 208 . As an example, face seal 104 may contact user's 208 forehead, temples, cheeks, and/or nose and may extend around user's 208 eye area 212 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of head mounted display 100 along line AA of FIG. 2B. Head mounted display 100 includes housing 102 including lower wall 314 , upper wall 315 and partition wall 316 . Head-mounted display 100 also includes lenses 318 (eg, two lenses each paired with one of the user's eyes), display device 320 , and electronic components 322 . Although two of the display devices 320 are included in the illustrated example, the head-mounted display 100 may alternatively include a single display device. Additionally, display device 320 and electronic components 322 are shown and described herein as permanently attached components of head-mounted display 100, but are instead removable from housing 102. and can be selectively attachable. For example, a smart phone can be used as the display device 320 and the electronic component 322 such that the display device 320 and the electronic component 322 are connectable to the housing 102 or removably received within the housing.

The housing 102 includes the external structure of the head mounted display 100 and may include part of the internal structure of the head mounted display 100 . The housing 102 is connected to a headband 106 (FIGS. 1-2B) or other support structure. The interior space of head-mounted display 100 is defined by enclosure 102 to support and/or enclose portions of head-mounted display 100 such as partition wall 316 , lens 318 , display device 320 and electronic components 322 . Housing 102 may be of multi-piece construction or may be of single-piece construction. The housing 102 may be rigid or semi-rigid and, with respect to the multi-piece construction of the housing 102, may include various portions with different material properties, including rigid and flexible portions.

The front end of housing 102 includes a peripheral portion 324 that abuts user 208 when worn. Peripheral portion 324 extends around part or all of housing 102 at the front end to provide a support surface or structure for face seal 104 . Other components and/or structures, such as sensors, may be formed on or supported by peripheral portion 324 .

Partition wall 316 has a first side exposed to the outside and is adjacent to eye chamber 326 . An eye chamber 326 is defined within housing 102 between partition wall 316 and face seal 104 . When head-mounted display 100 is worn by user 208 , user's 208 eyes are positioned adjacent eye chamber 326 . Engagement of face seal 104 with face 210 of user 208 is operable to reduce or eliminate the amount of light entering eye chamber 326 from the environment external to face seal 104 . However, it should be understood that face seal 104 may be omitted in favor of an open design for eye chamber 326 that does not exclude light from outside head-mounted display 100 .

Partition wall 316 can support lens 318 directly or indirectly. In the illustrated embodiment, lens 318 is connected to partition wall 316 and is located in an opening 328 formed in partition wall 316 . Other implementations of head-mounted display 100 may indirectly connect lens 318 to partition wall 316 . As an example, lenses 318 may be supported by an interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism operable to move lenses 318 laterally or away from each other. As another example, the lens 318 includes an eye relief adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the position of the lens 318 in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 102 to change the distance between the eye of the user 208 and the lens 318 . can be supported by

Lens 318 focuses, redirects, and reshapes the image from display device 320 to achieve the desired focal length and other optical properties. Display device 320 is located within housing 102 and oriented (eg, in an image-forming pattern) to emit light toward lens 318 . Lens 318 directs the image emitted by display device 320 to user's 208 eye to simulate the way light from the three-dimensional environment reaches user's 208 eye. As an example, lens 318 may be a biconvex lens. As another example, lens 318 may be a Fresnel lens. The focal length of lens 318 may be, for example, 25 mm to 50 mm.

On the second side of partition wall 316 , opposite eye chamber 326 , component chamber 330 is formed between partition wall 316 and housing 102 . Component chamber 330 is an internal chamber having a substantially enclosed space defined by housing 102 and partition wall 316 . In some embodiments, there are multiple internal chambers. In the illustrated embodiment, display device 320 and electronic components 322 are located within the internal chamber. Display device 320 may be supported by partition wall 316 (as shown), by housing 102 , or by other structures located within component chamber 330 .

Electronic components 322 are located within component chamber 330 and may be supported by housing 102 or other structures present within component chamber 330 . Electronic components 322 are coupled to display device 320 and include components that generate or receive content in the form of signals or data. Content is provided by the display device that is output for display by display device 320 as an image defined by the emitted light. Electronic components 322 may also include sensors that detect conditions associated with the operation of head-mounted display 100 , such as the position and orientation of head-mounted display 100 .

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the adjustment mechanism 107 connected to the headband 106. As shown in FIG. Adjustment mechanism 107 is operable to change the fit of headband 106 on the head of user 208 in response to control signals, as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustment mechanism 107 includes housing 431 , motor 432 , spool 433 , drive connection 434 , feedback component 435 and controller 436 .

Motor 432 is an electric motor controlled by controller 436 . Any type of electric motor or other actuator may be used to drive the loosening and tightening of headband 106 . Spool 433 is connected to headband 106, which in this example is a flexible member such as a strap. Spool 433 is capable of extension and retraction of headband 106 to change the length of headband 106 between the points where it connects to housing 102 , thereby adjusting the fit of headband 106 to the head of user 208 . Expands and contracts the joint. Spool 433 is connected to motor 432 by drive connection 434 . Drive connection 434 is an optional component that interconnects motor 432 and spool 433 to rotate spool 433 in response to rotation by motor 432 (ie, at the output shaft of motor 432). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive connection 434 is belt driven, but other constructions such as a gear train or direct connection of the motor 432 to the spool 433 can be used. Also, while the motor 432 and spool 433 combination is one example of a motorized adjustment for a flexible headband, a motorized friction roller or the like that moves the headband 106 relative to the adjustment mechanism housing 431 may also be used. Other mechanisms can also be used.

Feedback component 435 is a sensor (or sensors) that measures the tightness (ie, fit) of headband 106 on user 208 and outputs a signal indicative of the tightness of headband 106 . Feedback component 435 can, for example, directly or indirectly measure tension in headband 106 . As an example of a direct measurement, feedback component 435 may be a tensiometer connected to or embedded in headband 106 . As an example of an indirect measurement, the feedback component is a force sensor in contact with the headband 106, such as a linear variable differential transformer that measures the deflection of a spring-biased post in contact with the headband 106. There may be. As another example of an indirect measurement, a feedback component 435 is electrically connected to the motor 432 to measure the current drawn by the motor 432, since the current drawn is proportional to the motor torque associated with the tightness of the headband 106. can do.

Controller 436 regulates the operation of motor 432 to change the fit of headband 106 by contracting or extending headband 106 relative to user's head 208 . Controller 436 may be, by way of example, a circuit, a processor executing computer program instructions, an application specific integrated circuit, or a field programmable gate array. Controller 436 receives signals output by feedback component 435 and may also receive signals from other sources, such as signals representing user input or user actions. The controller 436 is electrically connected to feedback components and optionally other components to receive inputs used to control the tightening and loosening of the headband 106 .

Based in part on signals from feedback component 435 , controller 436 outputs control signals to motor 432 to retract or extend headband 106 . As an example, controller 436 can cause motor 432 to tighten headband 106 if a signal from feedback component 435 (e.g., representing strap tension) is below a threshold, controller 436 can cause feedback component 435 to tighten headband 106 . signal exceeds a threshold, it can stop causing the motor 432 to tighten the headband 106 or loosen the headband 106 .

In some implementations, a user operated control device, such as a knob, is provided to allow manual control of fit adjustment. A user-operated input device can change the tightness by moving a component of the headband 106 corresponding to the amount the control is displaced (i.e., tightening or loosening proportional to the degree to which the knob is rotated); Alternatively, the user-manipulated input device can control velocity based on angular displacement relative to a neutral position. The rate at which the headband 106 is loosened or tightened can be adjusted based on the current size of the headband 106 relative to the size of the user's head (eg, detected by a camera or proximity sensor), thereby If the difference between the current size of 106 and the user's head is large, user input of the same size will result in greater loosening and tightening.

A first side of headband 106 is connected to housing 102 using adjustment mechanism 107, and a second side of headband 106 is fixed to housing 102 using a connection that provides a single adjustment mechanism. 107 can be used to implement the head mounted display 100 . by connecting the first and second sides of the headband 106 to the housing 102 using fixed connections, such as along the sides of the user's head or behind the user's head; By positioning one or more of the adjustment mechanisms 107 along the headband 106, a single adjustment mechanism 107 can be used to implement the head-mounted display 100. FIG. Two of the adjustment mechanisms 107 are used to implement the head-mounted display 100 by connecting each of the first side and the second side of the headband 106 to the housing 102 using each of the adjustment mechanisms 107 can do. In some implementations, the headband 106 includes additional straps that extend over the user's head in addition to the peripheral straps, and a third adjustment mechanism 107 is used to adjust the straps to the housing 102 . can be adjustably connected to the

5A-5B illustrate a head-mounted display 500 having an adjustable support assembly according to another embodiment in side view (FIG. 5A) and top view (FIG. 5B). Head-mounted display 500 may include components described with respect to head-mounted display 100, and these components are similarly configured and may function similarly unless otherwise described herein. can.

Head mounted display 500 includes a housing 502 that includes components such as those described with respect to head mounted display 100 for presenting content to user 208 . Head-mounted display 500 may be supported against the head of user 208 by a support assembly including headband 506 and adjustment mechanism 507 .

Headband 506 includes a first band portion 540 a and a second band portion 540 b that are connected to respective sides of housing 502 . First band portion 540a and second band portion 540b may be rigid or semi-rigid structures. In some implementations, passive compliant structures such as joints, slides, elastic members, clutches, or slip surfaces, such as when first band portion 540a and second band portion 540b are rigid components. structures) can be incorporated into the headband 506 to prevent over tightening.

An adjustment mechanism 507 interconnects the first band portion 540a and the second band portion 540b such that the fit of the headband 506 can be changed by contracting or stretching the headband 506 . As shown in FIG. 6, adjustment mechanism 507 includes housing 641, motor 642, and gear rack assembly 643 interconnecting first band portion 540a and second band portion 540b. Gear rack assembly 643 includes a gear train 644 rotated by motor 642 . Motor 642 and gear train 644 are connected to housing 641 to constrain translational motion relative to housing 641 . Gear rack assembly 643 engages gear teeth formed on either or both first band portion 540a and second band portion 540b. Gear rack assembly 643 interconnects first band portion 540a and second band portion 540b such that in response to operation of motor 642, first band portion 540a moves relative to second band portion 540b. By moving, the headband 506 can be loosened or tightened.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first gear tooth 645a is formed on the first band portion 540a and a second gear tooth 645b is formed on the second band portion 540b. Rotation of gear train 644 causes the length of first band portion 540a to second band portion 540b to remain equal between housing 641 of adjustment mechanism 507 and housing 502 of head-mounted display 500 while maintaining the same length of first band portion 540a relative to second band portion 540b. band portion 540 a and second band portion 540 b are translated relative to housing 641 . Alternatively, the first gear tooth 645a may be provided on the first band portion 540a while the second gear tooth 645b may be omitted from the second band portion 540b and instead the adjustment mechanism 507 may be translated relative to the second band portion. The second band portion 540b may be connected to the housing 641 of the adjustment mechanism 507 so as not to include the .

Adjustment mechanism 507 may include feedback component 646 and controller 647 to control tightening and loosening of headband 506 in the same manner as described with respect to adjustment mechanism 107 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly for head-mounted display 500 is connected to the side of housing 502 such that head-mounted display 500 is controlled through contact between head-mounted display face seal 504 and the user's face. It is connected to housing 502 in a “goggle” style configuration that is partially supported by the Alternatively, the support assembly is connected to the top of housing 502 such that the support assembly contacts the user's forehead and housing 502 is suspended from the support assembly using a "halo" style configuration. can be implemented.

Figures 7A-7B include a support assembly having a variable volume adjustment mechanism 750 with the variable volume adjustment mechanism 750 in the retracted position (Figure 7A) and the variable volume adjustment mechanism 750 in the expanded position (Figure 7B). 7 is a top view showing display 700. FIG. Head mounted display 700 may include components described with respect to head mounted display 100, and these components are similarly configured and may function similarly unless otherwise described herein. can.

Head mounted display 700 includes a housing 702 and a headband 706 connected to housing 702 . The variable volume adjustment mechanism 750 includes a variable volume structure 751 that changes the fit of the headband 706 on the user's head by volume expansion or volume contraction. A variable volume structure 751 is located on the inner surface of the headband 706 to engage the user's head when worn. Variable volume structure 751 may, for example, be an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device that can expand and contract in a controllable manner (eg, in response to a signal or fluid supply to variable volume structure 751). can be a device. The expansion and contraction of variable volume structure 751 is regulated by control system 752, which is, for example, electrically, hydraulically or hydraulically operable to cause and control the expansion and contraction of variable volume structure 751. It may also be a pneumatic control device.

8A is a cross-sectional view showing the pneumatic variable volume adjustment mechanism 850 in the contracted position, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the pneumatic variable volume adjustment mechanism 850 in the inflated position. The pneumatic variable volume adjustment mechanism 850 can be used in place of the variable volume adjustment mechanism 750 of the head mounted display 700. A pneumatic variable volume adjustment mechanism 850 is connected to the headband 806 and includes a variable volume structure 851 having a cover 852 and one or more internal bladders 853 . Air is supplied to the internal bladder 853 to inflate the internal bladder and move the variable volume structure 851 from the contracted position to the expanded position. Air is released back to the retracted position. Air may be supplied and discharged by the control system as described with respect to control system 752 .

9A is a cross-sectional view showing shape memory alloy adjustment mechanism 950 in the contracted position, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing shape memory alloy adjustment mechanism 950 in the expanded position. Shape memory alloy adjustment mechanism 950 can be used in place of variable volume adjustment mechanism 750 of head-mounted display 700 . A shape memory alloy adjustment mechanism 950 is connected to the headband 906 and includes a variable volume structure 951 having a cover 952 and a compressible material 953 (eg, open cell foam). Shape memory alloy wires 954 (or “muscle wires”) are embedded in cover 952 and move between contracted and expanded positions in response to changes in electrical current supply, causing compressible material 953 to contract. position and expand the compressible material 953 at the expanded position. The supply of current may be regulated by a control system as described with respect to control system 752 .

10A-10B illustrate a head-mounted display 1000 having an adjustable support assembly according to another embodiment in side view (FIG. 10A) and top view (FIG. 10B). Head mounted display 1000 may include components described with respect to head mounted display 100, and these components are similarly configured and may function similarly unless otherwise described herein. can.

Head mounted display 1000 includes a housing 1002 that includes components such as those described with respect to head mounted display 100 for presenting content to a user. Head-mounted display 1000 may be supported against the user's head by a support assembly that includes headband 1006 . Headband 1006 is configured to extend over the user's head and includes first band portion 1061 , second band portion 1062 and third band portion 1063 . First band portion 1061 is connected to housing 1002 by mounting bracket 1064 connected to the top surface of housing 1002 such that housing 1002 is suspended from first band portion 1061 . Second band portion 1062 is adjustably connected to first band portion 1061 . A third band portion 1063 is adjustably connected to the second band portion 1062 and defines a free end of the support assembly that has no connection to the housing 1002 . During use, the user's head is positioned between housing 1002 and the free end of the third portion of housing 1002 .

In the illustrated implementation, the adjustment of the support assembly is passive and utilizes mechanical components that do not include electrical controls. First band portion 1061 is secured to second band portion 1061 by a first spring-biased joint 1065 that defines a spring-biased sliding connection between first band portion 1061 and second band portion 1062 . It is connected to portion 1062 and contracts until expanded by the user. The second band portion 1062 of the support assembly is supported by a second spring-biased joint 1066 that defines a spring-biased sliding connection between the second band portion 1062 and the third band portion 1063. It is connected to the third band portion 1063 of the assembly and contracts until expanded by the user.

The support assembly includes a first cushion pad 1067, a second cushion pad 1068, and a third cushion pad 1069 for engaging the user's head. A first cushion pad 1067 is connected to a support assembly near housing 1002 . A second cushion pad 1068 is connected to the support assembly between the housing 1002 and the free end of the support assembly and engages the crown of the user's head. A third cushion pad 1069 is located near the free end of the support assembly. As an example, a first cushion pad 1067 may be connected to the first band portion 1061 for engaging the user's forehead, and a second cushion pad 1068 may engage the user's crown. A third cushion pad 1069 may be connected to the third band portion 1063 to engage the back of the user's head.

11A-11B illustrate a head-mounted display 1100 having an adjustable support assembly according to another embodiment in side view (FIG. 11A) and top view (FIG. 11B). Head mounted display 1100 may include components described with respect to head mounted display 100, and these components are similarly configured and may function similarly unless otherwise described herein. can.

Head mounted display 1100 includes a housing 1102 that includes components such as those described with respect to head mounted display 100 for presenting content to a user. Head-mounted display 1100 may be supported against the user's head by a support assembly that includes headband 1106 . Headband 1106 is configured to extend over a user's head and has first band portion 1161 , second band portion 1162 and third band portion 1163 . First band portion 1161 is connected to housing 1102 by mounting bracket 1164 connected to the top surface of housing 1102 such that housing 1102 is suspended from first band portion 1161 . Second band portion 1162 is adjustably connected to first band portion 1161 . A third band portion 1163 is adjustably connected to the second band portion 1162 and defines a free end of the support assembly that has no connection to the housing 1102 . During use, the user's head is positioned between housing 1102 and the free end of the third portion of housing 1102 .

In the illustrated implementation, the adjustment of the support assembly is actively controlled using, for example, control signals based on feedback signals, and can include controller and feedback components as described with respect to other embodiments. . First band portion 1161 is coupled to second band portion 1161 by first motorized sliding joint 1165 which defines a controllable sliding connection between first band portion 1161 and second band portion 1162 . 1162 and contracts and expands according to control signals. A second band portion 1162 of the support assembly is secured to the support assembly by a second motorized sliding joint 1166 that defines a controllable sliding connection between the second band portion 1162 and the third band portion 1163 . is connected to the third band portion 1163 of the and contracts and expands in response to control signals.

A first motorized sliding joint 1165 and a second motorized sliding joint 1166 are respectively an electric motor and a mechanical component, such as a gear rack, that causes relative motion of interconnected components in response to operation of the electric motor. interconnects can be incorporated. Alternatively, first motorized sliding joint 1165 and second motorized sliding joint 1166 may be controlled by a single electric motor connected to the joints by tension wires or other mechanical components. . For example, tension wires are used to contract the first motorized sliding joint 1165 and the second motorized sliding joint 1166 against the biasing force applied by the springs at each of the joints. be able to.

The support assembly includes a first cushion pad 1167, a second cushion pad 1168, and a third cushion pad 1169 for engaging the user's head. A first cushion pad 1167 is connected to a support assembly near the housing 1102 . A second cushion pad 1168 is connected to the support assembly between the housing 1102 and the free end of the support assembly and engages the crown of the user's head. A third cushion pad 1169 is located near the free end of the support assembly. As an example, a first cushion pad 1167 may be connected to the first band portion 1161 for engaging the user's forehead, and a second cushion pad 1168 may engage the user's crown. A third cushion pad 1169 may be connected to a third band portion 1163 to engage the back of the user's head.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a hardware configuration for electronic components 1200 of head mounted display 100. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, electronic components 1200 include processor 1202 , memory 1204 , storage 1206 , input device 1208 , output device 1210 , external device interface 1212 , motion tracking system 1214 , sensor 1216 , camera 1218 , and battery 1220 . include. In some embodiments, some or all of electronic components 1200 are implemented as a system-on-chip.

Processor 1202 is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As one example, processor 1202 may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. Memory 1204 may be a volatile, high speed, short term information storage device such as a random access memory module. Storage device 1206 may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or solid state drive. Input devices 1208 may include any type of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, motion sensitive controllers, keyboards, mice, touch screen input devices, gesture input devices, audio input devices (eg, microphones), and the like. Output device 1210 may include any type of device operable to provide an indication of operating status to a user, such as display device 320 of head-mounted display 100 or an audio output device (eg, speakers).

External device interface 1212 is a wired or wireless interface using any type of protocol. As an example, external device interface 1212 provides a wired connection to an external computing device that is utilized to generate content, such as content displayed by display device 320 of head-mounted display 100, such as by rendering content. may contain. As another example, external device interface 1212 allows wireless connection to Internet access for utilizing server-based resources during operation of head mounted display 100 .

Motion tracking system 1214 can detect three-axis rotation and acceleration of head-mounted display 100 and provide this information as an input to processor 1202 or other systems. As an example, the information output by the motion tracking system 1214 can be utilized to perform view tracking in a particular software application, where the information output by the motion tracking system 1214 is used by the software application during content generation. can be used. Motion tracking system 1214 may include, for example, an inertial measurement unit that utilizes accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to output information describing motion. The motion tracking system may also be measured by structured light stereo devices, depth cameras, LIDAR devices, radar devices, ultrasound devices, infrared detectors measuring signals from external infrared sources, and external infrared detectors. Other types of motion tracking technology can be included, such as infrared beacons that emit signals that can

Sensor 1216 comprises various types of sensors in addition to sensors in motion tracking systems. Examples include biometric sensors, temperature sensors, optical sensors, and force sensors. Portions of sensor 1216 may be included in other components. For example, a temperature sensor may be incorporated into processor 1202 . Particular examples of sensors included in sensors 1216 are a first hand presence sensor 1222 and a second hand presence sensor 1222 that utilize electromechanical (eg, physical switches) or electrical (eg, capacitive signals) sensing. A sensor 1224 that detects when the user is grasping the device at positions such as the first and second sides of the housing. A proximity sensor 1226 may be positioned within the eye chamber of the device to determine whether the user's face is positioned adjacent to the eye chamber. An eye-tracking sensor 1228 (eg, using an infrared camera located within the device's eye chamber) may be provided to measure the user's eye position and gaze angle.

A camera 1218, which may include a single camera or multiple cameras, may be included to capture images of the environment surrounding the head-mounted display 100, or to sense features in the environment or features of the user. can be used for As an example, the camera 1218 is mounted in the eye chamber of the head mounted display and can be used for eye tracking, such as within the eye chamber 326 of the head mounted display 100 .

Battery 1220 powers various components of head mounted display 100 , including electronic components 1200 . As one example, battery 1220 may be any suitable type of rechargeable battery.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a first example process 1300 for calibrating a head mounted display. In process 1300, the tightening and loosening of the adjustable headband is performed so that the user's hands are placed on the head so that the head-mounted display is loosened when both hands are present and tightened when one or both hands are removed from the head-mounted display. Controlled based on touching the mounted display. Process 1300 may be performed using head mounted display 100, head mounted display 500, head mounted display 700, head mounted display 1000, and head mounted display 1100, for example. Process 1300 can also be performed using electronic component 1200 . Some of the operations are performed using computing devices. An example of a computing device includes a processor, memory, and computer-executable program instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to perform the operations described herein. The computing device may include processor 1202 and memory 1204 of electronic component 1200 .

Act 1302 includes loosening the adjustable headband relative to the housing in response to detecting user contact with the first location and the second location on the housing. The first position and the second position are, for example, the first hand presence sensor 1222 and the second hand presence sensor 1222, such as on the left and right sides of the housing of the head mounted display (eg, the housing 102 of the head mounted display 100). It may be the position of the presence sensor 1224 . Act 1304 includes tightening the adjustable headband against the housing in response to detecting cessation of user contact with the first position or the second position on the housing. At operation 1306, a feedback signal is received indicating that the adjustable headband has been properly tightened. At operation 1308 , tightening of the adjustable headband is stopped in response to the feedback signal received at operation 1306 .

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first example process 1400 for calibrating a head-mounted display. In process 1400, cinching is initiated when the user's face is adjacent to the eye chamber. Process 1400 may be performed using head mounted display 100, head mounted display 500, head mounted display 700, head mounted display 1000, and head mounted display 1100, for example. Process 1400 can also be performed using electronic component 1200 . Some of the operations are performed using computing devices. An example of a computing device includes a processor, memory, and computer-executable program instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to perform the operations described herein. The computing device may include processor 1202 and memory 1204 of electronic component 1200 .

Operation 1402 includes obtaining adjustable headband slack relative to the housing. At operation 1402, a proximity sensor, such as proximity sensor 1226, may indicate that the user's face is not adjacent to the eye chamber of the head mounted display. At operation 1404, tightening of the head mounted display is initiated in response to determining based on the output signal from the proximity sensor that the user's face is currently adjacent to the eye chamber of the head mounted display. At operation 1406, a feedback signal is received indicating that the adjustable headband has been properly tightened. At operation 1408 , tightening of the adjustable headband is stopped in response to the feedback signal received at operation 1406 .

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a first example process 1500 for calibrating a head-mounted display. In process 1500, an adjustable headband of the head-mounted display is tightened in response to detecting movement of the head-mounted display relative to the user's head. Process 1500 can be performed using head mounted display 100, head mounted display 500, head mounted display 700, head mounted display 1000, and head mounted display 1100, for example. Process 1500 can also be performed using electronic component 1200 . Some of the operations are performed using computing devices. An example of a computing device includes a processor, memory, and computer-executable program instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to perform the operations described herein. The computing device may include processor 1202 and memory 1204 of electronic component 1200 .

Act 1502 includes detecting movement of the head-mounted display relative to the user's head. Movement can be detected, for example, by measuring the movement of the user's eye position relative to the head-mounted display using an eye position sensor, such as eye-tracking sensor 1228 . For example, other sensing devices such as a visible spectrum camera located outside the head mounted display housing can be used to detect relative motion. Act 1504 includes tightening an adjustable headband of the head-mounted display based on detecting relative motion in act 1502 . For example, operation 1504 may be performed in response to determining that the relative motion detected at operation 1502 exceeds a threshold. At operation 1506, a feedback signal is received indicating that the adjustable headband has been properly tightened. At operation 1508 , tightening of the adjustable headband is stopped in response to the feedback signal received at operation 1506 .

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a first example process 1600 for calibrating a head-mounted display. In process 1600, the tightening of the adjustable headband of the head-mounted display is controlled based in part on the type of content being displayed to the user, and the content associated with low-level user movement (e.g., movies). If so, the fit can be adjusted looser, and if the content is associated with a high level of user movement, the fit can be adjusted tighter. The type of content can be determined based on identifying information associated with the content, referred to herein as a content type identifier. Process 1600 can be performed using head mounted display 100, head mounted display 500, head mounted display 700, head mounted display 1000, and head mounted display 1100, for example. Process 1600 can also be performed using electronic component 1200 . Some of the operations are performed using computing devices. An example of a computing device includes a processor, memory, and computer-executable program instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to perform the operations described herein. The computing device may include processor 1202 and memory 1204 of electronic component 1200 .

Act 1602 includes obtaining a content type identifier associated with content being displayed to a user of the head mounted display. A content type identifier can be associated with the content. As an example, the content type identifier can be a value, such as a flag, set by the content creator or other party. As another example, the content type identifier may be identified using logic, such as analyzing the source of the content (e.g., media player vs. gaming application), or user input, such as input from a controller or motion-based input to the content. It can be determined by monitoring the type. Act 1604 includes determining a desired fit for the head mounted display based on the content type. As an example, the desired fit may be expressed as a tightness value (“tightness value”), with a first content type associated with a lower tightness value than a second content type.

Act 1606 includes tightening the adjustable headband of the head mounted display by outputting a control signal based on the desired fit determined in act 1604 . At operation 1608, a feedback signal is received indicating that the adjustable headband has been properly tightened. At operation 1610 , tightening of the adjustable headband is stopped in response to the feedback signal received at operation 1608 .

As noted above, one aspect of the present technology is the collection and use of data available from various sources to improve the tuning of head-mounted devices. This disclosure indicates that, in some instances, this collected data includes personal information data that uniquely identifies a particular person or that can be used to contact or locate a particular person. I am thinking of getting. Such personal data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone number, email address, Twitter ID, home address, user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, (athletic information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology may be a use to the benefit of the user. For example, personal information data can be used to store settings that allow the head-mounted device to automatically adjust when worn by the user. Furthermore, other uses for personal information data that benefit users are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insight into a user's overall wellness, or provide positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. It can also be used as general feedback.

The present disclosure contemplates that entities involved in the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal data will adhere to robust privacy policies and/or practices. Specifically, such entities implement privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements to keep personal data confidential and strictly maintained. and should be used consistently. Such policies should be readily accessible by users and should be updated as data collection and/or use changes. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and legitimate use and should not be shared or sold except for those lawful uses. Moreover, such collection/sharing should be performed after informing and obtaining consent from the user. In addition, such entities protect and secure access to such Personal Data and ensure that others who have access to that Personal Data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. should consider taking all necessary steps to Further, such entities may themselves be evaluated by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data collected and/or accessed and comply with applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. should be adapted. For example, in the United States, collection or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be dealt with accordingly. Different privacy practices should therefore be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user selectively prevents use of or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of head-mounted device adjustments, the technology may be configured to allow users to choose to "opt-in" or "opt-out" of their participation in personal data collection during registration for the service or at any time thereafter. . In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, this disclosure contemplates providing notice regarding access or use of personal information. For example, the user may be notified upon download of an app that will access the user's personal data, and then reminded again just before the personal data is accessed by the app.

Furthermore, it is the intent of this disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data when it is no longer needed. Additionally, where applicable, data de-identification can be used to protect user privacy in certain health-related applications. De-identification may include, where appropriate, removing certain identifiers (e.g. date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g. location data rather than address level). city level), controlling how data is stored (eg, aggregating data across users), and/or in other ways.

Thus, while this disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, this disclosure also covers the use of such personal information data. It is contemplated that it is also possible to implement the various embodiments without requiring access to the . That is, various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable by the lack of all or part of such personal information data. For example, adjustment settings can be determined each time the device is used.

Claims (15)

A head-mounted display worn by a user,
a housing including a hand presence sensor;
a headband configured to secure the housing to the user's head;
an adjustment mechanism operable to change the tightness of the headband relative to the housing in response to a control signal;
wherein the control signal is based on an output signal from the hand presence sensor, the output signal representing whether the user's hand has been detected by the hand presence sensor.
head mounted display. 2. The head mounted display of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism tightens the headband when the output signal indicates that the hand of the user has been detected by the hand presence sensor. 3. The head mounted display of claim 2, wherein the housing includes another hand presence sensor, and the control signal indicates whether another hand of the user has been detected by the another hand presence sensor. Based on another output signal representing
head mounted display. 4. A head mounted display as recited in claim 3, wherein said hand presence sensor is located on a first side of said housing and said another hand presence sensor is located on a second side of said housing. Ru
head mounted display. 5. The head mounted display of claim 4, wherein the adjustment mechanism loosens the headband when both output signals from both presence sensors indicate that both hands of the user have been detected.
head mounted display. 2. A head mounted display according to claim 1, wherein said control signal is based on an output signal from a force sensor, said output signal from said force sensor being a measure of tightness of said headband relative to said head of said user. representing the level
head mounted display. 2. A head mounted display as recited in claim 1, wherein said control signal is based on an output signal from a motion tracking system, said output signal from said motion tracking system being directed to said head mounted display relative to said head of said user. represents the movement of
head mounted display. 2. The head mounted display according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is based on an output signal from a proximity sensor, and the output signal from the proximity sensor determines that the user's face is in the eye chamber of the head mounted display. represents whether or not there is an adjacent
head mounted display. 2. The head mounted display of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a variable volume structure that expands or contracts to change the tightness of the headband against the head of the user.
head mounted display. 10. A head mounted display as recited in claim 9, wherein said variable volume structure comprises a shape memory alloy wire that moves between a contracted position and an expanded position.
head mounted display. 10. A head mounted display as recited in claim 9, wherein said variable volume structure includes an internal bladder that inflates and deflates between deflated and inflated positions.
head mounted display. 2. The head mounted display of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a motor.
head mounted display. 13. The head mounted display of claim 12, wherein the headband includes a strap that is extendable and retractable by operation of the motor.
head mounted display. 13. The head mounted display of claim 12, wherein the control signal is based on an output signal from the motor, the output signal of the motor representing current drawn by the motor.
head mounted display. 2. A head mounted display as recited in claim 1, wherein the content displayed to the user is associated with a content type identifier, and wherein the control signal is generated based on the content type identifier.
head mounted display.

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